We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team.
Not only are quick-drying bath towels highly absorbent and resistant to mildew and odors, but they also can dry and be ready to use again within a few hours. And, when shopping for the best quick-dry bath towels, you’ll want to look for either microfiber or cotton towels.
Why microfiber towels? Because the fibers in a microfiber towel are much thinner than the fibers in your standard towel, they have around four times as much surface area as a same-sized cloth towel. Not only does this extra surface area allow them to absorb more water, it also means they dry up to three times as fast as a classic cloth. (More surface area exposed to air equals faster drying times.)
Bonus: Because their fibers are so small, microfiber towels are great at removing makeup, and beauty experts also recommend microfiber towels for quickly drying your hair without damage.
But, microfiber towels are more expensive and are not quite as soft as cotton. If these are deal breakers for you, look instead for a thin, lightweight cotton towel. While not as quick-drying as microfiber, a cotton towel that’s on the thinner side will still dry far faster than its thick and plushier counterpart.
In a hurry? These are the best quick-dry bath towels:
1. The Overall Best: Polyte Quick Dry Microfiber Bath Towel, 4-Piece Set
2. The Runner Up: JML Microfiber Towels, 6-Piece Set
3. The Most Affordable: AmazonBasics Quick Dry Towels, 3-Piece Set
4. The Best Textured Set: Grayson Collection Bath Towels, 4-Piece Set
5. The Best Plush Turkish Towels: Qute Home Turkish Cotton Towels, 4-Piece Set
6. The Best Peshtemal Towels: Clotho Turkish Towels, 6-Piece Set
7. The Luxe Bath Towel: Onsen Bath Towel
8. The Best Travel Bath Towel: 4Monster Fast Drying Travel Towel
With that said, scroll down for the best quick-dry bath towels you can buy on Amazon, and get ready to turn your bathroom into a spa.
For the value, there’s no better quick-drying bath towels on Amazon than these Polyte microfiber ones. Like any 100% microfiber polyester towels, they are absorbent as well as mildew and odor resistant. However, these towels are also particularly soft, thanks to the dual pile weave design. Sold in a set of four, you get a lot of towel for your money with this option. These towels measure an oversized 30-by-57 inches when expanded, but due to their thin and lightweight nature, they’ll fold up compactly. They come in a variety of colors — including white, beige, gray, blue, green, and pink — and have a satin trim on the edges, giving them a more luxurious appearance.
One reviewer wrote: “I love these towels. I usually shower twice a day, and my old towels would not dry quickly enough and would not be fresh after just a couple days. These dry quickly and stay fresh for a long time. [...] They are also very absorbent, and leave me much dryer after toweling off.”
Although they are a little smaller and slightly pricier per towel than the overall best pick, these JML microfiber bath towels are still a solid choice, and they come in a set of six. They are made of soft, highly absorbent 100% microfiber and are designed with a loop on the label, making them ideal for hanging from hooks. Available in several color and print options, including this fun blue and white striped design, these towels are both a stylish and functional choice for your bathroom.
One reviewer wrote: “Super soft, absorbent. My guests loved them. Second purchase of these fantastic towels. They dry really quickly too after use which is really nice since we re-use our bath towels several times before laundering.”
Also available on: Wayfair, $62
If you’re looking for a quick drying towel set to stock a bathroom with, you can’t go wrong with this AmazonBasics three-piece set. You get one bath towel, one hand towel, and one washcloth all for a very affordable price. Although the towels are made of 100% cotton, they are less dense and lighter than your classic cotton towel. Need more bath towels? You could also upgrade to the eight-piece set.
One reviewer wrote: “Fantastic towels for the price. Super absorbent and very quick drying. We’ve purchased 4 sets and are very pleased.”
This set of textured towels offers a soft, plush feel and a quick-drying lattice weave texture. Made entirely from cotton, they’re designed to absorb more water and dry more quickly than a standard bath towel, and they have a sleek, modern look that will upgrade your bathroom aesthetic. Over 2,400 Amazon shoppers have given these towels a perfect five-star rating, and those who love these towels can’t stop raving about how soft they are.
One reviewer wrote: “These are a wonderful weight, not too heavy, dry fast but are quality and put together well.”
Also available on: Walmart, $55
This set of plush Turkish towels offers great value for the price, and over 10,800 Amazon shoppers have given them a perfect five-star rating. Made from 100% cotton, they’re made in Turkey, and are combed to provide hotel-quality softness. The brand recommends soaking your new towels in cold water for at least 12 hours before your first use, which will make them more absorbent. They dry quickly, and are great for the beach or pool as well as for regular use as bath towels. Choose from a variety of color options, including green, white, burgundy, and black.
One reviewer wrote: “These towels exceeded my expectations. They are quick-dry, light weight and the cotton quality has super absorbency when drying the body. [...] I wouldn’t hesitate to buy again and when I need my towels replenished, these will be my go to. Also, they wash and dry well; no fading of color and towels feel even more soft and fluffy after drying.”
Also available on: Walmart, $45
These Turkish cotton towels are thin, lightweight, and have a classic Peshtemal design with tassels on the end. They’re great for the beach, pool, and spa, but these quick-drying towels also make the perfect bath towel, especially in warmer climates. They’re made from 100% cotton, and are surprisingly absorbent. They’re also amazing for travel, since they pack very small. Note that, in order to achieve maximum softness, you’ll want to wash them before your first use.
One reviewer wrote: “These towels are very pretty and so FUNCTIONAL. We used these on vacation in Hawaii as bath towels because they dry so fast and we showered a lot coming off the beach several times a day. The colors were great and so is the size!”
This luxurious Onsen bath towel is made from 100% supima cotton that has a quick-dry waffle weave that feels extremely soft against the skin. Each towel weighs just over 13 ounces, and though it’s lightweight, it’s an incredibly absorbent towel. The fabric is designed to have maximum breathability and minimal fluff and fuzz. Though it’s on the pricier side, fans say that it’s worth the cost. If you typically have plush bath towels, it may take a bit of time to get used to the waffle weave, but there’s a good chance that you’ll quickly become obsessed.
One reviewer wrote: “These towels are great! As advertised they absorb and dry super quick. I am very happy with my purchase and definitely recommend, you won’t be disappointed!”
Also available on: Onsen, $50
If you’re looking for a quick-drying towel that you can take with you anywhere, this is the perfect option. Made from soft, lightweight, and highly-absorbent microfiber, this towel comes with its own carrying case that’s vented to allow airflow without getting other things in your bag wet. The colors are made with natural plant-based dyes, and the towel is so soft, you might find yourself keeping one in your gym bag, your beach bag, and in your bathroom for daily use.
One reviewer wrote: “We use these in the RV and they are perfect. They are compact, light, and quick-drying which makes them perfect in the RV - no heavy towels that take time to dry in the RV environment.”
Also available on: 4Monster, $16
This article was originally published on
